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The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?

Anonymous

As I get further into eating a plant-based diet (I'm not all the way there yet, but have essentially removed all meat from my diet) , I've been struggling with the whole issue of leather used in bags , footwear, jackets, gloves etc. I just don't want to eat anything that has been killed for my food consumption, and am now unhappy with not being true to my philosophy and still wearing and using leather.

I just can't be half-way about this for fashion. It no longer feels right to me, and I'm trying to figure out how to address this. I am a real lover of leather everything and will need to shift my mindset here. Do any of you follow this philosophy ? Have you found a fashion-forward resource for vegan bags, boots etc? I already know of Matt & Nat as it's a Canadian brand. Their bags are ok, but all look the same. And , it's not really a look I'm in love with. It's shoes and boots I'm concerned with. This is a big step to take.....but something I feel necessary to do if I am going to walk the talk.

Your input is greatly, greatly appreciated. Resources, ideas for dressing without leather etc.

Dressing

96 replies

Latest reply was from dashielle (Ann)

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

There are some online stores that aggregate vegan brands; my brain is skipping over the names right now, sadly!

The problem I had with non leather shoes when I was vegan was that the durability was a real issue. Of course you probably have a bigger budget than I did back then, but I think you'll have to invest in the real workhorses, or plan to replace more frequently.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I struggle with this a lot too. All our new furniture is vegan, and we are continuing on that path. Whatever I CAN get in non-leather - I try very hard to do just that. My feet are difficult though, and leather shoes are still part of my style.

These days Lisa, places like Zara do amazing pleather items too. I've just ordered a range of non-leather footwear from ASOS and I hope it works out.

FWIW - and I am not trying to steer you away from your goals, Lisa - just giving you my opinion because I am so very opinionated (which I know you can appreciate!) I believe that humans were not meant to be vegetarian or vegan since we only have one stomach and we do not regurgitate. It is very healthy for us to eat animal product in moderate doses. If being healthy is your goal - veggies is not the way to go. OF COURSE, if for spiritual and emotional reasons being vegan or vegetarian in your way of life, I completely understand that and respect it. To some degree, I am like that too. I don't eat mammals at all and I've been like this for A LONG time. I only eat food that I could kill myself like fish and chicken - so as not to have a double standard. I am trying hard to wean off leather too. One step at a time.

Anonymous

I like leather because it stretches and because it can be polished. Fake leather never looks that good, either. I don't like leather soles, though.

I eat meat in moderation, and am not a vegetarian.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I disagree, bettycrocker. We have modern white vegan dining room chairs that look REALLY good. In fact, they are spectacular! We have leather armchairs that look quite shoddy. I also have a faux leather diary that looks as good as real leather.

I'm sticking to my guns - these days you can get very good quality faux leather. You just need to be picky about it.

Anonymous

Angie - I agree with you , and not to enter into a debate about vegan vs other diets , I still will eat fish and organic free range chicken .

Betty Crocker and Laura - you're right about comfort and durability being a real issue . Therein lies the dilemma. Also , living in Canada , we don't have quite the range and number of online options as Americans do - shipping , exchange costs etc are prohibitive . I also prefer to shop from Canadian retailers where I can.

Yes - it's one step at a time .

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

PERFECT. Thanks for letting me know, Lisa.

Pleather shoes do not stretch - that's dead right. A pain for footwear sometimes.

Anonymous

This has NOTHING to do with what looks better or wears better. I'm not looking for a debate or reasons to consume leather over faux. I'm looking for ideas and thoughts from those of you also in this mindset .

Just so we don't veer off into WW111 here

crazyone

Veteran

I was raised vegetarian and have the typical Indian vegetarian double standard of not eating meat but wearing leather (partially because I think some of the leather in India comes from animals that died naturally). I've sometimes thought about this too, Lisa--I think I could do it with handbags and certainly I never buy leather/suede jackets, but the shoes thing is different--leather shoes are *vastly* superior to vegan shoes in my opinion, especially in terms of flexibility/breathability/longevity. I buy a lot of clothes but I don't buy a lot of shoes, so I expect my shoes to be workhorses.

LaPed

Veteran

Grechen's Closet has done a couple good posts on vegan leather. The problem is that most of the synthetic leathers are petroleum based and not sustainable, so if you're looking for lower environmental impact as well as cruelty free, you're kind of stuck with textiles -- ie canvas shoes. I ate vegan for years, and currently do dairy and eggs only if they're local and humanely produced. I've never stopped wearing wool, though I don't like to buy cheap cashmere for cruelty reasons. I went a long time without buying any leather. I don't really do handbags, just courier bags and canvas totes, so that helps. These days, I've decided I'm okay with buying leather goods secondhand and have added some boots that way. They're really more durable, especially if you go for resolable styles like Fryes. I also bought a pair of handmade-in-the-US leather shoes this year, and that I felt okay about, since it's supporting local artisans and they source carefully. Anyway, I guess I'm saying that it made more sense for me, ethically to be very picky and conscious about the leather goods I buy, rather than just blndly buying vegan shoes. Payless, etc have a lot of shoes that are basically plastic, and they may not be killing an animal directly, but are doing a lot of long term harm to the planet as a whole.

crazyone

Veteran

Also, this store called "Sudo shoes" is right near me. Check out their website: http://www.sudoshoes.com/

Their stuff is very stylish and pretty but I've never been tempted by things there partially due to price, partially due to the issues I mentioned above.

viva

Veteran

I'm finding this a very interesting read. Thanks for staring this post. And I'm very happy it's not degenerating into WWIII.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

In Summer it's easier to do canvas footwear. Sneakers are often made of non-leather material. And I've ordered these non-leather footwear options to give them a go. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry I veered off the topic a little in the beginning.

OBSERVER Pointed Heels

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SEQUENCE Pointed Heels

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9

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Stella McCartney doesn't do leather. Not cheap, but maybe try The Outnet or something.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OH, YES. I forgot all about Stella McCartney. *slaps forehead*. She is a devoted non-leather wearer.

Echo

Veteran

I am not veggie, but I previously was for about 20 years. I never went veggie for clothing/accessories, but it can be a real challenge. Sometimes even when the bulk of a bag is non-leather, there is trim that is or handles that are. And some brands are more forthcoming about materials used than others, which can further complicate matters.

Here is a link to purseblog about non-leather/vegan bags that might help: http://www.purseblog.com/eco-f.....-among-us/

Alternative Outfitters has a large selection of bags and shoes in non-leather. I have never tried them myself, but I have vegan friends who recommend them.

My only other concern would be environmental. I have a hard time seeing petroleum based products as a step up from leather, as both use excessive resources to produce. Leather has the disadvantage of harming animals, while petroleum based has the disadvantage of perhaps damaging the environment even more (though this is up for debate, as animal production is not environmentally friendly, either). And cotton is environmentally draining. Ultimately, when a person really researches, it is extraordinarily difficult to find clothing and accessories that check all the boxes. But don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Go with your heart and wear what your conscience will allow.

Anonymous

The toss-up between damage to the environment and the carbon footprint produced by offshore plastic footwear producers and wearing leather footwear that is vastly superior in comfort and durability is a real one. I could subscribe to the practice of buying leather footwear made by companies or artisans who used ethically sourced hides - but that is such a tiny market - and I would imagine the time it would take to get that kind of information would be daunting to most of us. Ugh, this is depressing , isn't it? Suddenly , the concept of " oh, I'd love a new pair of shoes" is taking a new turn ........

Anonymous

I know about Stella McCartney, but her boots, shoes, bags are astronomically priced - for me, anyways. I appreciate her philosophy because she's the real deal, but to get her design and production quality , you pay dearly for it. Has anyone here ever bought her footwear?

Anonymous

Thank you Echo, very articulately stated.

Gaylene

Veteran

My philosophy is much the same as Angie's, but you are interested in shoes, not philosophy.

Vancouver, and the Island, is a good place to start searching, in my opinion, since your views are shared by many others here on the coast. Here are some of the places I've heard mentioned by my vegan friends:

Nice Shoes: https://niceshoes.ca/catalog
Bambiiclothing: https://www.facebook.com/Bambiiclothing
Pixie Mood: https://www.pixiemood.com/
Jak's Handbags: http://jak-s.com/en/collections.php
(I own one of their fabric bags. Sleek and modern, impeccable quality, innovative, but always practical features)
Slang Barcelona Handbags: http://www.slangbarcelona.com/.....2013-2014/

I bought both my Jak's and Slang bags at She She Bags and Shoes in Victoria. https://www.facebook.com/shesheshops?_rdr=p
This local boutique usually has a good variety of vegan and leather offerings. John Fluevog also has some vegan shoes in his collections.

I think you need to plan a shopping excursion in Vancouver and Victoria, Lisa. The spring flowers are in bloom....

ETA: My Slang and Jak's bags are made of waterproof fabric instead of pleather. I like them because the designs are sleek and urban, not boho. They are also more practical in the rain because I don't like wet leather and are lighter than most pleather bags.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I don't follow this philosophy myself (I am not opposed to the slaughtering of cows, provided they are raised and kept humanely), but I know from time to time Fluevog puts out vegan footwear. I get the impression it doesn't sell very well, though.

I think this is an example of when it's better to shop in brick and mortar stores. The quality of faux leather items would be more easily determined if you could see them in person, and touch them.

One thing I'd like to know is how much toxic waste is associated with the manufacture of pleather. Hopefully not much, but it could be a case of the solution to one problem creating an even bigger problem somewhere else.

Also, where does the leather come from that we use for clothing? Is it from cattle that we're consuming anyway? If so, we might as well use it. Never throw away any bits of a slaughtered animal if you can help it, right?.

Greenjeans

Veteran

If you like the look (and I do), these bags by Maruca are terrific. http://marucadesign.com/shop/fashion-bags.html

Also, LeSportsac.
https://www.lesportsac.com

gryffin

Veteran

Lisa - I just wanted to chime in for support. I eat a vegan nutritarian diet and follow Joel Fuhrman, MD guidelines put out in Eat to Live. Great book if interested. I try to wear as little animal products as possible, avoid animal tested products. I find veg news a great source of products and information. I do have leather shoes because I'm having such trouble with my feet. But if there is an animal friendly choice I make it. A lot of people avoid calling themselves "vegan" because there is a militant element in any group that can make you feel not vegan enough. Read happy herbivores Lindsay Nixon if you want an earful on this. You might think of yourself as favoring a plant based diet and lifestyle. Either way your choices are ones of kindness and care for the environment. Whatever you do it is in the side of life. Hugs and big applause!!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I bought last year a pair of Stella McCartney hybrid sneaker-espadrilles. They had a significant amount of mesh. But even with the mesh I found that they really didn't breathe.

ETA I had a pair of vegan over the knee boots a few years ago, they literally disintegrated in my closet, after a few years and not much use.

rabbit

Veteran

I'm vegetarian, have been occasionally vegan in the past. I agree with Echo's don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good

I wear a mix of leather and non-leather shoes and bags and my experience buying faux leather shoes at at a low and mid range price point is that the right shoe can be comfortable enough and look fine but after a number of years they might start cracking and flaking and then they are irrecoverable. I think boots that need to flex in the ankle are where I'd be most concerned about the durability and finding a highly rated vegan shoe. Oxfords, flats/pumps, etc. might be fine if they flex less and strappy sandals don't tend to last forever regardless of the material. Bags that don't flex as much or are a thicker material have a chance of lasting far longer I'd think -- I've thrifted non-leather bags that seem to have held up well over a number of years with careful use.

I second the idea of thinking about second-hand leather for some specific kinds of long-lasting/wearing shoes -- but only if that feels comfortable. Textile based shoes is a good idea that I don't think of often enough. Generally I try to remember to consider not just the initial manufacturing, but the length of life of the product if either I keep it or it is consigned (if it goes obsolete quickly then it has to be replaced with more raw material), and how it eventually will biodegrade. Eager to read the thread and see what others discover.

Meredith

Veteran

Lisa, I've been thinking about this issue also as I'm trying to limit my reliance on animal products (in food and fashion). This is really the first shopping season for me to start incorporating this attitude in my purchases, so no real recommendations, but I'll be checking out some of the retailers on this list: http://www.farmsanctuary.org/vegan-fashion/ . Off topic, but have you dipped your toes into cruelty free cosmetics yet? I signed up for a vegan beauty subscription box last month and am looking forward to trying the products (so hard to find samples around here). Last month's box had an out of this world gel eyeliner: http://evelyniona.com/products.....iner-brush

Anonymous

Azirphale - I don't consume beef and using the hide of production cows killed for food isn't ok with me. I'm doing it, but I really am not happy about it. Again, yes, there is a debate over what is causing less damage to the environment . I wish that weren't the point.

Bags are an easier thing to find. It's the footwear that is going to be the issue.

Gaylene - these are great resources. Thank you! And today, given the blowing snow and blizzard-like conditions, I just might take you up on that offer

I'm thinking that severely reducing the amount of leather footwear I do buy will be the first step. Really severely . And I'm up for it. Sometimes all this consumering for pleasure really makes me feel ill. And I'm the guiltiest party ever.

Anonymous

I assumed we were talking about footwear. No stretch = no good for my feet. I don't mind PU upholstery. i do get tired of the animal rights activists trying to make people feel guilty about eating meat and buying leather products. Seriously. This thread is called "the ethics of leather." I don't think it's unethical.

Helena

Veteran

Hi Lisa, good on you for doing what feels right and trying to honor your values. Angie, your philosophy resonates with me as I move towards less and less meat - so I'm glad you shared I think there is lots of good looking faux leather out there ... The vest I wore last week was faux and I think it looked real. Fwiw, perhaps to aziraphales point of robbing Peter to pay Paul, it is about mindful consumption of leather or pleather, and perhaps less total consumption overall, that would make the most practical difference. Just a thought

Meredith

Veteran

This isn't faux leather or footwear, but sounds like an interesting Canadian company: https://www.kickstarter.com/pr.....escription

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